Salvador rebels warn on peace

AGUACAYO (AP) - The first of 1,670 Salvadorean FMLN guerrillas to be demobilised this week turned over their weapons to UN observers, warning that they would rearm if UN- negotiated peace accords signed in January that ended El Salvador's 12-year civil war were not carried out.

Land distribution to former rebels has become a sticking point in fulfilling the accords. The rebels want 1,890 plots to be distributed right away, and the remainder after 31 October.

Another touchy issue is reform of El Salvador's politically powerful military, who have been accused of widespread human rights abuses during the war. About 60 per cent of the FMLN force, or about 5,000 fighters, are still to be demobilised.